Video seating system for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A seat ( 22 ) for mounting in a vehicle generally includes an entire video recording system ( 20 ). The video recording system ( 20 ) has a camera ( 40 ) extending above the seat ( 22 ) and mounted, via a support ( 42 ), to a back frame ( 26 ) of the seat ( 22 ). The camera ( 40 ) is spaced from the headrest ( 29 ) and is preferably close to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. An audio receiver ( 48 ) and controller ( 80 ) are mounted in the seat back ( 28 ), while a recorder ( 68 ) and display unit ( 54 ) are mounted to the seat bottom ( 32 ). A power and communications wire bundle ( 82 ) is disposed to connect the recording system ( 20 ) to the vehicle&#39;s systems. The recording system ( 20 ) may include a mechanism for limiting access to the videotape and a mechanism for heating and cooling the recorder.

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle seats, and in particularto vehicle seats with video and audio equipment mounted thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many police and other rescue vehicles are now equipped withvideotaping systems that include a video camera and recorder, andsometimes a microphone for recording audio. These systems are used torecord everything from a routine traffic stop to the arrest of criminalsuspects.

[0003] Early systems included many variations, from just mounting a homevideo camera to the vehicle's dash board—to a more complicated systemwith a camera mounted to the vehicle roof near the rear view mirror, awireless microphone clipped to the officer, and a VCR propped up on thepassenger seat that is connected to the camera and microphone receiver.However, these systems had limited functionality and also preventedanyone from using the vehicle's passenger seat. They also generally werenot built to meet today's standards for occupant safety.

[0004] More recently, vehicle video systems have become more elaborate.Some have only a few components in the passenger compartment, and therest of the system is mounted in the vehicle trunk. The passengercompartment, then, includes only a video camera mounted in the passengercompartment near the windshield, a remote control mounted to the floorof the vehicle near the driver, and a wireless microphone clipped to theofficer. The trunk will then typically include a vault in which thevideo recorder, a receiver for the wireless microphone and the systemcontroller are located.

[0005] Also, since this electronic equipment is located in the trunk,which is not heated and cooled like the passenger compartment, therenecessarily will be some type of climate control (heating and cooling)system in or around the vault to maintain the temperature of thecomponents within an acceptable range. These systems also, many times,include a radar gun interface that connects to the vehicle's radar gun,if so equipped.

[0006] There are, however, several disadvantages to these elaboratesystems. For example, most police and other rescue vehicles have a greatdeal of equipment that is stored in the trunk, as so the vault andclimate control system take up space needed for other equipment.Moreover, since the components for the video system are so spread outaround the vehicle, a great deal of electrical wiring must be added tothe vehicle to provide power to, and communication between, the variouscomponents. This wiring creates not only a problem for systemreliability, but also makes installation and servicing of the systemdifficult and expensive, especially since these systems are typicallyadded as retrofits to existing vehicles rather than installed as anoption in new vehicles. Additionally, as mentioned above, since trunksare not heated or cooled like the passenger compartment, there must be aclimate control system in the trunk to allow the system to operate undergreat temperature extremes. The camera location for these systems alsoblocks a portion of the driver's view through the windshield, which isobjectionable.

[0007] Thus, it is desirable to have a video system for police and otherrescue vehicles that overcomes the drawbacks of the previous systems. Inparticular, it is desirable to have a complete video system that isreliable and easily installs into vehicles, and yet is inexpensive,while minimizing the space taken up that is usually reserved for otherpolice and rescue equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In its embodiments, the present invention contemplates a seat fora vehicle, with the vehicle including a generally longitudinalcenterline. The seat includes a seat back that is adapted to mountgenerally vertically in the vehicle, with the seat back including a seatback frame and a seat back cover generally surrounding the seat backframe, and a seat bottom that is adapted to mount generally horizontallyin the vehicle adjacent the seat back, with the seat bottom including aseat bottom frame and a seat bottom cover generally surrounding thebottom frame. The seat also includes a headrest mounted to the seatback, a camera support secured to the seat back frame and extendingthrough the seat back cover, with the camera support spaced from theheadrest, and a video camera mounted to the camera support.

[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide avideo recording system that mounts to a vehicle seat, but still allowsone to safely occupy the seat without interfering with the operation ofthe system.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a videorecording system where the camera is mounted to provide a desirable viewof incidents being taped while not interfering with the view of thevehicle's operator.

[0011] An advantage of the present invention is that it will provide avideo recording system that is easy to install in a vehicle, as well asservice.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that a minimum ofwiring additions to the vehicle will allow for power to andcommunication between the components of the system.

[0013] An additional advantage of the present invention is that thevideo system can operate with much less need for an individual climatecontrol system since the components are mounted in the passengercompartment of the vehicle.

[0014] A further advantage of the present invention is that the videosystem does not take up space in the vehicle that is normally reservedfor other police and rescue equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is an exploded, partial sectional, partial perspective viewof a vehicle floor and seat, incorporating a video recording system inaccordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of a display and display support inaccordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of a cover door for a recorder, inaccordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a third embodiment of the cover door for the recorder,in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment for arecorder cover in accordance with the present invention; and

[0020]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of arecorder and seat illustrating the recorder mounted in a slidabledrawer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021]FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle seat 22, which mounts to a vehiclefloor 24, and includes a video recording system 20. While referring to a“video” recording system herein, this of course, also includes the audioand other information, such as speed, time and date, being recorded bythe system as well. The seat 22 includes a seat back 28, having a seatback frame 26, which is enclosed in a seat back cover 30. A headrest 29is mounted to the frame 26 via a pair of conventional headrest supports31. The seat back 28 is mounted to a seat bottom 32, having a seatbottom frame 34, which is enclosed in a seat bottom cover 36. The seatbottom frame 34 includes a seat track portion 38, which allows for foreand aft adjustment of the seat 22, and bolts to the floor 24. The seat22 is a typical vehicle seat, and although it is particularlyadvantageous to employ a seat 22 having a tubular seat back frame 26,other typical vehicle seat frames may also be employed.

[0022] The video recording system 20 includes a video camera 40 that ismounted to the seat back frame 26 via a video camera support 42 thatextends upward through the seat cover 30 and above the seat back 28. Itis preferred that the camera 40 is located relatively close to alongitudinal centerline 41 of the vehicle in order to provide adesirable view for recording. This will allow for the best viewingthrough the vehicle's windshield Also, since the seat 22 can still beoccupied while the vehicle is operating, it is desirable for the camera40 and camera support 42 to be spaced laterally from the headrest 29 andheadrest supports 31 in order to assure that they do not interfere withthe safety performance of the headrest 29. This location also providesthe added advantage that the head of the seat occupant will not blockthe view of the camera lenses.

[0023] The camera 40 has two forward directed lenses, preferably onewide angle lens 44 and one telephoto lens 46, and one rearward directedlens (not shown), preferably a very wide angle lens to videotape a backseat (not shown) of the vehicle. The camera 40 can be tilted relative tothe support 42 in order to orient the lens in the desired direction.

[0024] The video camera support 42 is designed to fully support thecamera 40 under normal operating conditions of the vehicle as well asremain intact under significant vehicle impact conditions. Whatconstitutes a significant vehicle impact condition can vary dependingupon the type and size of vehicle, but, for example, it might be definedas a 56 kilometer per hour frontal impact with a ninety fifth percentileman in the seat.

[0025] The video recording system 20 also includes an audio receiver 48that is mounted to the seat back frame 26, and hidden inside the cover30. By mounting the receiver 48 inside the cover 30, it is less likelyto be stolen or damaged by vehicle occupants. The receiver 48 includestwo antennas 50 extending from the receiver housing, with eachconfigured to pick up a signal (indicated with a phantom line) from adifferent one of two wireless microphones 52 (only one microphoneshown). It is preferable to mount the receiver 48 high in the seat back28 for better reception of an audio signal from the microphones 52, butit can be mounted lower in the seat back, seat sides, or in the seatbottom if so desired.

[0026] The video recording system 20 also includes a display unit 54,which is mounted to the upper part of an adjustable arm 56. The upperpart of the arm 56 is flexible and is mounted to a lower portion of theadjustable arm 58, which, in turn, mounts to the seat bottom frame 34.Alternatively, the lower portion 58 can mount to the seat back frame 26,or other seat structure if so desired. As indicated by the arrows a, b,and c in FIG. 1, the adjustable arm 56 will allow full movement foradjusting and orienting the display unit 54 for use by either a driveror a passenger of the vehicle. The display unit 54 includes a videodisplay 60, preferably a liquid crystal display, a speaker 64, and a setof buttons 62 for operating the system. These buttons 62 may have fixedfunctions, such as record, play, power on/off, etc., or they may bevariable, with the display 60 indicating the function of each button inthe set 62 depending upon the mode of the video system 20.

[0027] A recorder 68 is mounted to the seat bottom frame 34, just abovethe vehicle floor 24, via a bracket 70, which is bolted to the frame 34.While a video cassette recorder (VCR) that records onto a VHS formatvideotape is shown in FIG. 1, other types of recording devices may beemployed instead—for example, a video compact disk (V-CD), a recordabledigital versatile disk (DVD) player, or other digital media storagedevice may be used instead of a VCR. A dust cover 72 is mounted to thebracket 70. It extends underneath and around the sides of the recorder68 in order to keep dust and dirt out. There is also a door 74 that ismounted, via a hinge, to the mounting bracket 70. The door 74 includes alock 76, which engages a portion of the mounting bracket 70 when locked.When the door 74 is pivoted upward and the lock 76 is engaged, the frontface of the recorder 68 will be covered, limiting access to thevideotape to those who have the corresponding key.

[0028] The video recording system 20 also includes a controller 80 thatis mounted to the seat back frame 26, hidden within the seat back cover30. The controller 80 and audio receiver 48 are configured to snap ontothe seat frame 26 for ease of mounting, but can also be attached byother conventional methods. Moreover, the controller 80 can be mountedin the seat bottom 32 instead, if so desired.

[0029] By mounting the controller 80 inside the seat cover 30, it isless likely to be stolen or damaged by vehicle occupants. The controller80 is electrically connected to the camera 40, audio receiver 48,display unit 54, and recorder 68. It includes circuitry for receiving,processing, and transmitting signals to and from the various components.The controller 80 also preferably includes a circuit for tracking thecurrent date and time; although, if so desired, the recorder 68 mayhouse this circuit instead.

[0030] A video system wire bundle 82 connects to the components andextends from the seat, preferably near the vehicle floor 24. A secondwire bundle 84, extends from a power source (not shown) within thevehicle, preferably under the vehicle's floor trim and carpeting, andconnect to the video system wire bundle 82. This second wire bundle 84can be run where a typical wire bundle is run when the passenger sidefront seat is a power seat. The wire bundles 82, 84 provide power to allof the components in the video recording system 20. Also, if the videorecording system 20 receives signals from other vehicle systems (notshown), the wiring for communication with these systems can be includedas part of the wire bundles 82, 84.

[0031] For example, if the vehicle is equipped with a radar gun or otherspeed detection system, then the communication wiring can be run fromthat system through the wire bundles 82, 84, to the controller 80. Insuch a case, then, the controller 80 would include additional circuitryto receive and process the speed information. Also, if one wishes to beable to activate the recording system 20 upon activation of a policevehicle's siren or light bar (not shown), then a wire from the policevehicle's emergency system controller can be run through the wire bundle82, 84 to the controller 80.

[0032] One can see from FIG. 1 that the video recording system 20 is amodular assembly with essentially all of the components mounted to oneseat 22. This modular assembly provides for ease of installation andrepair, whether factory installed or a retrofit to an existing vehicle.For a retrofit to an existing vehicle, the old passenger side front seatis removed, and the vehicle seat 22 with the video recording system 20is mounted in its place. Then, one only needs to run the wire bundle 84to the seat 22 to provide power and communication wiring to the system20. Moreover, since it is modular, all of the components can beassembled to and tested on the seat 22 prior to shipping it to aninstallation facility, or, if preferred, installed in the seat at aninstallation facility for installation into a vehicle at a later date.

[0033] While the example illustrated in FIG. 1 is a front passenger seat22 of a vehicle, others seats within the a vehicle can be employed tomount the recording system 20. The front passenger seat is generallypreferred over the driver seat since most driver seats have poweradjustments, which limit the amount of room for mounting the recordingsystem. On the other hand, the front drive seat still allows for apreferred location for the camera—close to the longitudinal centerlineof the vehicle, and close to the front of the passenger compartment, toprovide good viewing through the vehicle windshield without beingblocked by an occupant's head and without blocking the operator's viewthrough the windshield. The front passenger seat is also generallypreferred over the rear seats since it provides a preferred viewinglocation for the camera.

[0034] The operation of the video recorder system 20 will now bedescribed. The system may be turned on in any one of four ways. It maybe set to automatically turn on when a vehicle's siren, emergencylights, or the microphone is activated, or a vehicle occupant may turnit on by pressing an on/off button on the display unit 54. This can alsobe reconfigured, via the display unit, to only turn on in some of thesefour ways. Once activated, one may press a button on the display unit 54to switch between the three lenses on the camera 40, depending upon thedesired view to be recorded. If the occupants desire, they may each havea wireless microphone 52 clipped to his person, which will transmitsignals back to the audio receiver 48.

[0035] Both the video signal from the camera 40 and the audio signalfrom the receiver 48 are sent to the controller 80, which combines thesignals and sends a video and audio signal to the recorder 68 to berecorded on a tape if the recorder 68 is in its record mode. Thecontroller may also superimpose the date and time, as well as otherinformation one has programmed into the controller 80, onto the videosignal. This may include speed information as well, if the vehicle isequipped with a speed detection system, such as a radar gun. Thecontroller 80 also sends the combined signal to the display unit 54, soa vehicle occupant can see and hear on the video display 60 and speaker64, respectively, what is being recorded. If the recorder 68 is in theplay back mode, then the controller 80 will send the combined signalfrom a tape to the display unit 54 for viewing and listening by avehicle occupant. Of course, the buttons 62 on the display unit 54 allowfor rewinding, fast-forwarding and other similar types of functionsemployed in video recording systems, with the exception of the ejecttape function. Since a tape insertion slot 88, which is on the frontface of the recorder, is covered by the lockable door 74, the tapecannot be ejected and removed unless one has a key for unlocking thelock 76. This feature is meant to deter unauthorized individuals fromgaining access to and tampering with the tape.

[0036]FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the adjustable armfor the display unit 54. In this embodiment, the upper display arm 156is not flexible, but includes two telescoping tubes with a pin andseries of holes 194 for securing the arm 156 at the desired length.

[0037]FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment for the door covering thefront of the recorder. In this embodiment, a door 174 still mounts tothe mounting bracket 70 and covers the front of the recorder 168, but itdoes not have a lock. The door 174 has a latch, a spring hinge, or otherconventional mechanism to hold it closed. This door 174, then, will helpto keep the dust and dirt out of the recorder 168, but does not preventone from removing a tape. In order to protect the integrity of a tape,the recorder's ejection mechanism (not shown) is connected to thecontroller 180. The controller 180 includes circuitry to disable thetape ejection function unless a predetermined code is entered into thedisplay unit (not shown in this figure). In this way, access to a tapecan be limited without limiting access to the front face of the recorder168. Alternatively, the front face of the recorder can include buttonsfor entering an ejection code rather than using the buttons on thedisplay.

[0038]FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment for the door that covers thefront of the recorder. In this embodiment, a door 274 is again hinged tothe mounting bracket 270, but is sized to only cover the tape insertionslot 288 on the front face of the recorder 268. A key lock 276 ismounted on the door 274 and includes a latch that engages a portion ofthe tape slot 288 to secure the door 274 in the closed position. In thisway, access to a tape is limited to those with a key, but the otherdisplays and buttons on the front face of the recorder 268 areaccessible.

[0039]FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the dust cover forthe recorder. This dust cover 172 is more than just a thin sheet ofplastic or metal for keeping dust and dirt out of the recorder (notshown in this figure). A heat pump 94, or other heating and coolingmechanism, is built into the cover 172. A wire bundle 98 will connect tothe controller (not shown in this figure) for supplying power andcontrol signals to the heat pump 94. This will allow one to heat or coolthe recorder more quickly than the passenger compartment, therebyallowing the recorder to begin operations sooner under extremetemperature conditions.

[0040]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment for the mounting of therecorder 68. In this embodiment, the dust cover 372 includes rollers 99along two sides, and the door 374 is now integral with the cover 372.The rollers 99 mate with conventional guides (not shown) mounted to thebracket 370, allowing the cover 372 to slide in and out from under theseat 22 like a drawer. If desired, a locking mechanism can be used tosecure the recorder 68 in the cover 372, or secure the drawer under theseat, in order to limit access to the tape.

[0041] While certain embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail, those familiar with the art to which this inventionrelates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat for a vehicle, with the vehicle includinga generally longitudinal centerline, the seat comprising: a seat backthat is adapted to mount generally vertically in the vehicle, with theseat back including a seat back frame and a seat back cover generallysurrounding the seat back frame; a seat bottom that is adapted to mountgenerally horizontally in the vehicle adjacent the seat back, with theseat bottom including a seat bottom frame and a seat bottom covergenerally surrounding the bottom frame; a headrest mounted to the seatback; a camera support secured to the seat back frame and extendingthrough the seat back cover, with the camera support spaced from theheadrest; and a video camera mounted to the camera support.
 2. The seatof claim 1 wherein the camera support mounts the video camera such thatthe video camera is adapted to be generally adjacent to the longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle when the seat is mounted in the vehicle. 3.The seat of claim 1 wherein the camera support is adapted to remaingenerally intact under both normal vehicle operating conditions andunder forces created by a significant vehicle impact.
 4. The seat ofclaim 1 further including a controller mounted to the seat and incommunication with the video camera.
 5. The seat of claim 4 wherein thecontroller is mounted to the seat back frame, within the seat backcover.
 6. The seat of claim 1 further including an audio receivermounted to the seat and adapted to receive signals from a wirelessmicrophone.
 7. The seat of claim 6 wherein the audio receiver is mountedto the seat back frame, within the seat back cover.
 8. The seat of claim1 further including a display arm, including a first end and a secondend, with the first end mounted to the seat, and with a display unitmounted to the second end of the display arm.
 9. The seat of claim 8wherein the first end of the display arm is mounted to the seat bottomframe.
 10. The seat of claim 8 wherein the display arm includes meansfor adjusting the position and orientation of the first end relative tothe second end.
 11. The seat of claim 1 further including a recordermounted under the seat bottom.
 12. The seat of claim 11 furtherincluding a cover generally surrounding a bottom and side surfaces ofthe recorder.
 13. The seat of claim 12 wherein the cover includes aheater that selectively heats the recorder.
 14. The seat of claim 12wherein the cover includes a cooler that selectively cools the recorder.15. The seat of claim 11 wherein the recorder is slidably mounted underthe seat bottom.
 16. The seat of claim 11 wherein the recorder includesa removal location that is adapted to receive removable media forrecording thereon, and wherein the seat further includes a media accesslimiter.
 17. The seat of claim 16 wherein the media access limitercomprises a door mounted adjacent the removal location, with a lock onthe door for limiting access to the removal location.
 18. The seat ofclaim 16 wherein the media access limiter comprises an ejectionmechanism in the recorder, and a security circuit, in communication withthe ejection mechanism, for preventing the ejection mechanism fromejecting the recordable media unless a predetermined security code iscommunicated to the circuit.
 19. A seat for a vehicle comprising: a seatback that is adapted to mount generally vertically in the vehicle, withthe seat back including a seat back frame and a seat back covergenerally surrounding the seat back frame; a seat bottom that is adaptedto mount generally horizontally in the vehicle adjacent the seat back,with the seat bottom including a seat bottom frame and a seat bottomcover generally surrounding the bottom frame; a camera support mountedto the seat; a video camera mounted to the camera support; a controllermounted to the seat and in communication with the video camera; an audioreceiver mounted to the seat and adapted to receive signals from awireless microphone; a display arm, including a first end and a secondend, with the first end mounted to the seat, and with a display unitmounted to the second end of the display arm; and a recorder mountedunder the seat bottom.
 20. The seat of claim 19 wherein the vehicleincludes a generally longitudinal centerline, and wherein the seatincludes a headrest mounted to the seat back, the camera support issecured to the seat back frame and extends through the seat back cover,with the camera support spaced from the headrest, and the camera supportmounts the camera such that the video camera is adapted to be generallyadjacent to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle when the seat ismounted in the vehicle.
 21. The seat of claim 19 wherein the controlleris mounted to the seat back frame, within the seat back cover, and theaudio receiver is mounted to the seat back frame, within the seat backcover.
 22. The seat of claim 19 wherein the first end of the display armis mounted to the seat bottom frame, and the recorder is mounted underthe seat bottom.
 23. The seat of claim 19 wherein the recorder includesa removal location that is adapted for receiving removable media forrecording thereon, and wherein the seat further includes a media accesslimiter.
 24. The seat of claim 23 wherein the media access limitercomprises an ejection mechanism in the recorder, and a security circuit,in communication with the ejection mechanism, for preventing theejection mechanism from ejecting the recordable media unless apredetermined security code is communicated to the circuit.
 25. A videoimaging system for a vehicle comprising: a seat back that is adapted tomount generally vertically in the vehicle; a seat bottom that is adaptedto mount generally horizontally in the vehicle adjacent the seat back,with the seat bottom including a seat bottom frame; a video cameraadapted to be mounted in the vehicle; and a display arm, including afirst end and a second end, with the first end mounted to the seat, andwith a display unit mounted to the second end of the display arm. 26.The video imaging system of claim 25 wherein the first end of thedisplay arm is mounted to the seat bottom frame.
 27. The video imagingsystem of claim 25 wherein the display arm includes means for adjustingthe position and orientation of the first end relative to the secondend.
 28. A video imaging system for a vehicle comprising: a seat backthat is adapted to mount generally vertically in the vehicle; a seatbottom that is adapted to mount generally horizontally in the vehicleadjacent the seat back, with the seat bottom including a seat bottomframe; a video camera adapted to be mounted in the vehicle; and arecorder slidably mounted under the seat bottom.
 29. The video imagingsystem of claim 28 further including a recorder cover, with the recordermounted therein, and with the cover including rollers slidably mountedin tracks on the seat bottom frame.
 30. The video imaging system ofclaim 28 wherein the recorder includes a removal location that isadapted to receive removable media for recording thereon, and whereinthe video imaging system further includes a media access limiter, andwith the media access limiter including an ejection mechanism in therecorder, and a security circuit, in communication with the ejectionmechanism, for preventing the ejection mechanism from ejecting therecordable media unless a predetermined security code is communicated tothe circuit.
 31. A video imaging system for a vehicle comprising: a seatback that is adapted to mount generally vertically in the vehicle; aseat bottom that is adapted to mount generally horizontally in thevehicle adjacent the seat back; a video camera adapted to be mounted inthe vehicle; a recorder mounted under the seat bottom, with the recorderincluding a removal location that is adapted to receive removable mediafor recording thereon; and wherein the video imaging system furtherincludes a media access limiter, and with the media access limiterincluding an ejection mechanism in the recorder, and a security circuit,in communication with the ejection mechanism, for preventing theejection mechanism from ejecting the recordable media unless apredetermined security code is communicated to the circuit.
 32. Avehicle seat with video imaging equipment mounted thereon forpositioning in a motor vehicle for receiving video images, comprising: aframe for a seat having cushioning pads thereon defining a seat portionand a seat back portion, said frame defining a shape of the seat and theseat back portions, said seat back portion having a headrest portionthereon; a cover covering the frame; the seat back portion furtherdefining a second portion spaced-apart and lateral of the headrestportion, which second portion includes means for mounting a videoimaging device thereto, whereby said video imaging device issubstantially centrally disposed relative to a central axis of a vehiclethat receives said seat for imaging forwardly so that the video imagingdevice is unobstructed by a passenger's head when the passenger's headis located immediately in front of the headrest portion; an attacher forsecuring a video image recorder within the seat portion for beingoperatively connected to the video imaging device; and a controller forselectively operating the camera and the recorder for recording images.33. The motor vehicle seat as recited in claim 32, wherein the secondportion comprises: a cavity defined within the seat back portion; asupport member disposed in the cavity and engaged to the frame of theseat back portion, the support member adapted for rigidly engaging saidat least one video imaging apparatus; and a port in a side wall of theseat for entrance to the cavity, whereby the video imaging apparatus isinserted into the cavity for engagement to the support member.
 34. Aseat including a camera imaging apparatus fixedly attached to said seat,said attachment disposing said camera imaging apparatus substantiallycentrally relative to a central axis of a vehicle receiving said seat,for imaging forwardly from said seat such that said camera imagingapparatus is unobstructed by a passenger's head when the passenger'shead is located immediately in front of a headrest portion of said seat;said camera imaging apparatus including one or more lenses and adaptedto co create one or more electrical signal representative of the imagesreceived by said one or more lenses; signal transmitting pathwaytransmitting said one or more electrical signal to a signal recorder;said signal recorder adapted for remote operation by a control module;said control module including operator operable indicia for changing oneor more mode of operation of said camera imaging apparatus, said controlmodule including a display for displaying images.
 35. A seat including acamera imaging apparatus, comprising: a camera imaging apparatus fixedlyattached to said seat laterally offset from a central axis thereof andcentrally disposed relative to a central axis of a vehicle for receivingsaid seat for imaging forwardly from said seat such that said cameraimaging apparatus is unobstructed by use of said seat by a passengerwhen the passenger's head is immediately central to the central axis ofthe seat during use of the seat as a seat; said camera imaging apparatusincluding one or more lens and adapted to create one or more electricalsignal representative of the images received by said one or more lens;signal transmitting pathway transmitting said one or more electricalsignal to a signal receiver for processing the signal, whereby thesignal receiver processes said one or more electrical signal for visualdisplay, recording, or communication thereof to a remote receiver.
 36. Avideo and audio imaging apparatus and motor vehicle seat for positioningin a motor vehicle for receiving video images and audio, comprising: aframe for a seat having cushioning pads thereon defining a seat portionand a seat back portion, said frame defining a shape of the seat and theseat back portions, said seat back portion having a headrest portiontherein; means for covering the frame; the seat back further defining asecond portion spaced-apart and lateral of the headrest portion, whichsecond portion includes means for mounting a video imaging apparatusthereto, whereby the video imaging apparatus is disposed laterally ofthe seat back and centrally relative to for imaging a central axis ofsaid motor vehicle forwardly while being unobstructed by a passenger'shead when the passenger's head is located immediately in front of theheadrest portion; a drawer slidably received within the seat portion formoving between a first position recessed within the seat and a secondposition extending outwardly of the seat for accessing a video imagerecorder secured within the drawer and being operatively connected witha control cable to the video imaging apparatus mounted to the seat backportion; and control means for selectively operating the camera and therecorder for recording images.
 37. A video and audio imaging apparatusand vehicle seat for positioning in a vehicle for receiving videoimages, comprising: a frame for a seat having cushioning pads thereondefining a seat portion and a seat back portion, said frame defining ashape of the seat and seat back portions, said seat back portion havinga headrest portion therein; a cover for the frame; the seat back furtherdefining a second portion spaced apart and lateral of the headrestportion; a support disposed in the second portion for mounting a videoimaging apparatus thereto, whereby the video imaging apparatus isdisposed laterally of the seat back and centrally relative to a centralaxis of said vehicle for imaging forwardly while being unobstructed by apassenger's head when the passenger's head is located immediately infront of the headrest portion; and a drawer slidably received within theseat portion for moving between a first position recessed within theseat and a second position extending outwardly of the seat for accessinga video image recorder secured within the drawer and being operativelyconnected with a signal communication cable to the video imagingapparatus mounted to the seat back portion.
 38. The video imagingapparatus and vehicle seat as recited in claim 37, wherein the secondportion comprises a cavity defined within the seat back portion; andwherein the support comprises a member disposed in the cavity andengaged to the frame of the seat back portion, the support memberadapted for rigidly engaging said at least one video imaging apparatus.39. A video and audio imaging apparatus and vehicle seat for positioningin a vehicle for receiving video images, comprising: a frame for a seathaving cushioning pads thereon defining a seat portion and a seat backportion, said frame defining a shape of the seat and the seat backportions, said seat back portion having a headrest portion therein; acover for covering the frame; a seat back further defining a secondportion spaced-apart and lateral of the headrest portion; a supportdisposed in the second portion for mounting a video imaging apparatusthereto, whereby the video imaging apparatus is disposed laterally ofthe seat back and centrally relative to a central axis of said vehiclefor imaging forwardly while being unobstructed by a passenger's headwhen the passenger's head is located immediately in front of theheadrest portion; a drawer slidably received within the seat portion formoving between a first position recessed within the seat and a secondposition extending outwardly of the seat for accessing a video imagerecorder secured within the drawer and being operatively connected witha signal communication cable to the video imaging apparatus mounted tothe seat back portion; a controller for selectively operating the videoimage apparatus and the video image recorder for recording images; amicrophone with a communication pathway for providing an audio signal tothe video image recorder; and a video image display operativelyconnected to the video image recorder for display of video images, saidvideo image display mounted to a structure of the vehicle